X-Ray Technician Degrees in Sacramento, CA with School Options

Research X-ray technician degree programs in the Sacramento area, which currently has 2 colleges offering programs within 50 miles of downtown. Read an overview of courses, admission info and program requirements for these 2 schools and decide which program is right for you.

Sacramento X-Ray Technician Programs

Individuals who are interested in becoming X-ray technicians have only 2 school options near Sacramento, CA. The programs at both colleges can prepare students to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. Students must pass the exams to obtain licensure, which is required for X-ray technicians in California. Get the specifics on these schools, which are both less than 50 minutes from downtown Sacramento. The table located at the end of the article makes it easy to compare valuable school information, such as tuition rates, graduation rates and more.

Yuba College, which is 41.5 miles from downtown Sacramento, offers an Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology. Students learn through a blended curriculum of theory-based courses, lab experiences and clinical rotations.

San Joaquin Delta College, located 46.3 miles from downtown, offers a 2-year radiologic technology certificate program through the college's School of Radiologic Technology, which is sponsored by San Joaquin General Hospital. Students enroll at the college but complete studies at San Joaquin General Hospital.

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Comparison of Schools

The following table highlights valuable statistics and makes it easier to choose the right school.

Yuba College

San Joaquin Delta College

School Type

2-year; public

2-year; public

Total Enrollment (2014)

6,640*

18,572*

Campus Setting

Fringe rural

Large city

Tuition & fees (2015-2016)

$1,144 in-state $6,475 out-of-state*

$1,104 in-state $6,312 out-of-state*

% of First-Year Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (2013-2014)

86%*

80%*

Acceptance Rate (2011)

N/A - open admissions*

N/A - open admissions*

Retention Rate (2013-2014)

65%*

77%*

Graduation Rate (2014)

24% (11% transfer-out rate)*

27% (10% transfer-out rate)*

Source: *National Center for Education Statistics.

Yuba College

Part of the Yuba Community College District, the Yuba College campus in Marysville has been open since 1962. The radiologic technology program includes clinical rotations that can be completed at various Sacramento area hospitals or the University of California Davis Medical Center.

Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology

This is a limited acceptance program with a waiting period of 2-3 years. Prerequisite courses, including college-level biology, chemistry and math, must be completed prior to enrollment. Students must also meet physical requirements, pass a background check and submit to a drug test before entering the program.

Courses cover identifying and using X-ray equipment, reading X-ray film and understanding the effects of radiation on the human body. Students participate in introductory and advanced applications of radiology, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound procedures through a combination of classroom and clinical work. Students also participate in 3 clinical rotations throughout the program.

Graduate of the program can take the California State Certification Exam as well as the ARRT exam, which leads to the Registered Technologist (R.T.) in Radiology credential.

San Joaquin Delta College

San Joaquin Delta College has campuses in Stockton and Mountain House along with a learning center in Manteca, CA. San Joaquin Delta College sponsors the radiologic technologist program, which is conducted at the San Joaquin General Hospital. Students earn their credit from the college, but complete all of the coursework and clinical experiences at the hospital.

Radiologic Technology Certificate

The radiologic technology training is a limited-entry program that admits only 12-14 students each year and takes 2 years to complete. Classroom and lab studies are held at San Joaquin General Hospital, and clinical education is held at several clinical affiliations in the area. Clinical rotations give students exposure to radiographic procedures, such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, ultrasound, radiation therapy and nuclear medicine. If general education requirements are met, participants of this program can earn an associate's degree in radiologic technology. Effective in 2015, a candidate pursuing ARRT certification will be required to hold an associate's degree.

When students complete the program, they can sit for certification exams offered by the state and ARRT. Passing these exams leads to the Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT) and Registered Technologist (RT-ARRT) credentials. Prior to entry into the program, applicants must complete the following courses: English composition, human anatomy, human physiology, intermediate algebra, intro to psychology or intro to sociology, medical terminology and fundamentals of computer science. Applicants must hold a current American Heart Association CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification card and have graduated high school. Additionally, applicants must submit to drug screenings, criminal background checks, health screenings and show proof of current immunizations. Each student must complete a hospital orientation.